Who we are
Spence & Spence has been providing independent financial advice to our clients in Scotland for over 20 years. We are committed to ensuring that we provide you with impartial advice to help you to make the right decisions, and ultimately to reach your long term financial objectives.
We are authorised to advise on the entire range of financial products and the advice you will receive will always be delivered to you in an unbiased, jargon free and easy to understand format.
Our wealth of knowledge and experience is further enhanced through our trading links and access to the national resources of Fairstone Financial Management Ltd, part of the Fairstone Group.
Meet Our Advisers
Alison James
After completing a Neuroscience degree at the University of Edinburgh, Alison started her career in financial services in 2003, working in the mortgages department at Bank of Scotland. Since then, Alison has worked in technical roles at two Edinburgh financial planning firms before joining Spence & Spence as an Independent Financial Adviser in January 2012....
More >Cairn Smith
Cairn joined Spence and Spence in October 2013 and is a Diploma Qualified Independent Financial Adviser. With 14 years working in the financial services industry, he has considerable experience in all areas of financial planning. Cairn works with clients to help them to achieve their most meaningful financial plans and objectives, ensuring that they receive a personal...
More >David French
David joined the business in 2014. He is a member of the Personal Finance Society and the Chartered Institute of Insurance and is Diploma Qualified. With over 20 years’ experience working with both national and local advisory firms, David’s primary areas of expertise includes assisting Corporate Organisations with Retirement and Employee Benefits, and advising Directors & Shareholders...
More >Grant Lennie
Grant first joined Spence and Spence in 2003 and has over 35 years’ experience working in the financial services industry, the last 22 years of which as a Financial Adviser. Over this period of time, Grant has built up a wealth of experience and a number of long lasting and rewarding relationships with his clients....
More >Jim Stewart
Even at a tender age Jim was asking searching questions – ‘Are you sure that this is the right club?’ for example. Maybe it’s time for you to ask questions of your investments and overall financial position, are my investments matched to my risk profile?, are my investments performing as they should be?, am I receiving value...
More >John Black
John Black is one of our Chartered Financial Planners with many years’ experience in the industry. He lives in Selkirk and looks after many of our clients who live in the Borders and in Edinburgh.
More >John Parker
John is a Chartered Financial Planner and provides private clients with advice on pensions, retirement planning, protection, mortgages, tax planning and strategic investment. John has an Honours degree in Applied Biology from Newcastle University and an MA in International Studies. Originally from Norfolk, John’s career in financial services began in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, after he finished his studies....
More >Lorna Russell
Lorna Russell is a Chartered Financial Planner and an Associate of the Personal Finance Society. She has 16 years’ experience in the industry and began her career with Canada Life and another Glasgow financial advisory firm before joining Spence and Spence (Scotland) in 2006. Lorna holds the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning. She is a...
More >Rob Lockhart
Rob first took a position as a Financial Adviser in 1990, after leaving Edinburgh University with an Honours Degree in Politics. He subsequently attained the Professional Certificate in Management via the Open University and is also qualified to Diploma Level in Financial Planning. As an Independent Financial Adviser Rob offers unbiased advice and expertise in most...
More >Ryan Bunyan
Ryan has worked in financial services since 2004. He holds the level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Services and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Insurers. Ryan has built up his knowledge and experience in various roles within financial services, but in recent years has focused on relationship management and advising clients on...
More >
Alison James
Position: Chartered Adviser
Email: alison@spenceandspence.com
About me
After completing a Neuroscience degree at the University of Edinburgh, Alison started her career in financial services in 2003, working in the mortgages department at Bank of Scotland. Since then, Alison has worked in technical roles at two Edinburgh financial planning firms before joining Spence & Spence as an Independent Financial Adviser in January 2012. Alison is both a Chartered Financial Planner and a Fellow of the Personal Finance Society, which represent some of the highest qualification levels in financial services. Alison also holds specialist qualifications for occupational pension transfers, equity release and long term care.
Cairn Smith
Position: Adviser
Email: cairn@spenceandspence.com
About me
Cairn joined Spence and Spence in October 2013 and is a Diploma Qualified Independent Financial Adviser. With 14 years working in the financial services industry, he has considerable experience in all areas of financial planning. Cairn works with clients to help them to achieve their most meaningful financial plans and objectives, ensuring that they receive a personal and professional service that is tailored to their needs. Cairn strongly believes that in order to ensure that his clients reach their agreed goals, financial advice requires a comprehensive and holistic approach. In his spare time Cairn is a keen golfer.
David French
Position: Head of Corporate & Wealth Management
Email: david@spenceandspence.com
About me
David joined the business in 2014. He is a member of the Personal Finance Society and the Chartered Institute of Insurance and is Diploma Qualified. With over 20 years’ experience working with both national and local advisory firms, David's primary areas of expertise includes assisting Corporate Organisations with Retirement and Employee Benefits, and advising Directors & Shareholders in areas such as protecting Company & Shareholder value. He can also advise clients in the area of Bespoke Wealth Management and Inheritance Tax Mitigation. In his spare leisure time David enjoys time with his family - he has two young daughters who keep him on his toes - and he likes to play the occasional round of golf. He tells us that his handicap is very much a work in progress!
Grant Lennie
Position: Adviser
Email: grant@spenceandspence.com
About me
Grant first joined Spence and Spence in 2003 and has over 35 years’ experience working in the financial services industry, the last 22 years of which as a Financial Adviser. Over this period of time, Grant has built up a wealth of experience and a number of long lasting and rewarding relationships with his clients. When Grant is not working, he enjoys spending time with his family in the rural surrounds of their home in Fife.
Jim Stewart
Position: Adviser
Email: jim@spenceandspence.com
About me
Even at a tender age Jim was asking searching questions - 'Are you sure that this is the right club?' for example.
Maybe it's time for you to ask questions of your investments and overall financial position, are my investments matched to my risk profile?, are my investments performing as they should be?, am I receiving value for money on my investments, will my family be sufficiently provided for should something happen to me?
These are just some questions that you may wish to consider, and ones that Jim would be more than happy to speak to you about. With forty years' experience in the Financial Services industry, advising and working in both Group Pensions and individual wealth management, he is sure he can come up with a solution that will help you to achieve your financial plans and goals.
John Black
Position: Chartered Adviser
Email: johnblack@spenceandspence.com
About me
John Black is one of our Chartered Financial Planners with many years’ experience in the industry. He lives in Selkirk and looks after many of our clients who live in the Borders and in Edinburgh.
John Parker
Position: Adviser
Email: johnparker@spenceandspence.com
About me
John is a Chartered Financial Planner and provides private clients with advice on pensions, retirement planning, protection, mortgages, tax planning and strategic investment. John has an Honours degree in Applied Biology from Newcastle University and an MA in International Studies. Originally from Norfolk, John's career in financial services began in Newcastle-Upon-Tyne, after he finished his studies. John enjoys playing golf, running and is an enthusiastic rugby and cricket fan. His other interests include hill walking, cycling and politics. John is married with a young family.
Lorna Russell
Position: Chartered Financial Planner
Email: lorna@spenceandspence.com
About me
Lorna Russell is a Chartered Financial Planner and an Associate of the Personal Finance Society. She has 16 years’ experience in the industry and began her career with Canada Life and another Glasgow financial advisory firm before joining Spence and Spence (Scotland) in 2006. Lorna holds the Advanced Diploma in Financial Planning. She is a qualified pension transfer specialist and experienced wealth manager. In addition she holds advanced Diplomas in the specialist subjects of Investment Planning, Pensions, Personal Tax and Trust Planning, and Financial Planning for business. Lorna provides a comprehensive and personal service to her clients who span a wide range of life stages.
Rob Lockhart
Position: Adviser
Email: robertlockhart@spenceandspence.com
About me
Rob first took a position as a Financial Adviser in 1990, after leaving Edinburgh University with an Honours Degree in Politics. He subsequently attained the Professional Certificate in Management via the Open University and is also qualified to Diploma Level in Financial Planning. As an Independent Financial Adviser Rob offers unbiased advice and expertise in most areas of financial planning such as investments, savings, retirement planning, inheritance tax planning and personal and business protection. Rob is available for personal meetings at Spence and Spence offices or at a client's home or workplace.
Ryan Bunyan
Position: Adviser
Email: ryan@spenceandspence.com
About me
Ryan has worked in financial services since 2004. He holds the level 4 Diploma in Regulated Financial Services and is a member of the Chartered Institute of Insurers. Ryan has built up his knowledge and experience in various roles within financial services, but in recent years has focused on relationship management and advising clients on their financial needs. Outside of work, Ryan is a keen cyclist and sees this as the perfect way to relax.